Harper waves to the crowd after hitting a his second home run of the game. / Rob Carr, Getty Images

by Robert Klemko, USA TODAY Sports

by Robert Klemko, USA TODAY Sports

WASHINGTON - Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper accepted his National League rookie of the year award just before the season opener, then immediately set his sights â?? and his bat â?? on more prestigious accolades.

Harper hit booming home runs to right-center field in his first two at-bats against Miami Marlins pitcher Ricky Nolasco.

The two home runs were the difference in the game, as the Nationals won 2-0 behind a solid outing by pitcher Stephen Strasburg. .

The 20-year-old hit 22 home runs last season, production among rookies eclipsed only the 30 homers hit by Los Angeles Angels prodigy Mike Trout.

Harper's left thumb, which bothered him during spring training, didn't appear to be an issue as he slammed Nolasco's second pitch into the first deck in right-center field, below the NL East Champions banner unveiled during pregame. Then in the fourth inning, Harper fouled off several Nolasco pitches before sending another bomb just to the right of his first to put the Nationals up 2-0. Harper answered the following dugout curtain call with a nod and a wave.

He became the first rookie of the year to homer on opening day the following season since Ryan Howard did it with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2006. Harper also became the fourth Nationals player to hit a home run on opening day, joining Adam LaRoche (2006), Chad Tracy (2009) and Ryan Zimmerman (2008).

It was a lengthy pregame for the Nationals, who enjoyed award presentations for 2012 Silver Sluggers LaRoche, Ian Desmond and pitcher Stephen Strasburg, who was making his first start since being shut down last season as a precaution two years after Tommy John elbow surgery. Strasburg was shaky in the first inning but came out unscathed and topped out at 97 mph on his fastball.